The joint investigation team of the police and prosecutors has barred Noh Tae-ak, the former Chairman of the National Election Commission, and others from leaving the country as part of the investigation into the voting paper shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. Following summons and questioning of local election commission staff, further investigations into higher-ranking officials, including Noh, are expected.
According to Yonhap News, the Ministry of Justice implemented the travel ban on Noh and former Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon, among other election commission officials, at the request of the investigation team.
Previously, the investigation team conducted search and seizure operations at seven locations, including the Gwacheon National Election Commission and the Seoul Election Commission, as well as local election offices in Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts, applying charges of violations of the Public Official Election Act, dereliction of duty, and embezzlement.
The investigation team has reportedly secured documents related to the voting paper printing plans, meeting minutes, budgets, and files related to the local elections, excluding the seizure of the election commission's server.
Based on the seized materials, the investigation team plans to examine the decision-making process and rationale behind the printing of voting papers prior to the election, as well as the specific communications exchanged between polling stations and the election commission on election day.
Meanwhile, Noh and Heo, along with about ten others, have been designated as suspects due to allegations of violations of the Public Official Election Act and dereliction of duty stemming from the voting paper shortage.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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